Key Fact

The direct contribution of the express industry to global GDP is set to increase by over 60% by 2018 to reach about US$135 billion in today’s prices

Prospects for the express industry and global economic growth

The express industry is a fast-growing sector in its own right, growing at a rate faster than that of global GDP, but it also makes a significant contribution to the global economy in a broad range of sectors. The express industry's vital role in boosting international trade and competitiveness is such that even during times of slower growth in the global economy, the express industry will continue to provide essential support.

The requirement for rapid delivery is likely to intensify further not only among the existing users of the express industry, but in other sectors of the economy as well. In particular, the express industry contributes significantly to the success of the fast-growing knowledge-based sector, which will increasingly require their services for purchasing and supply management.

Such expansion has inevitably led to the creation and support of jobs worldwide, both directly within the express industry itself and indirectly through the support of jobs in its supply chain. By 2018, it is forecasted that 3.8 million people worldwide will be in employment that is supported by the express industry.